Abs
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Texas
Abs
Would low brake fluid cause the ABS light to turn on?
I ask because mine was low I had to pour about 1/2 a pint maybe a little more and I just want to know if that was why my ABS light would turn on sometimes while driving
I ask because mine was low I had to pour about 1/2 a pint maybe a little more and I just want to know if that was why my ABS light would turn on sometimes while driving
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Lebanon,TN
I would look at the RABS [ABS] as a different problem from low brake fluid. The occasional ABS light is probably failing sensor and the low fluid is probably worn pads. Do a search on the RABS system for your year truck.
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From: Windsor, Ont.
I just replaced my rear abs sensor on the top of the diff housing, did the resistance test and it failed, it was cheap and easy to replace. Prompted me to change the rear end dope too as it was good but getting old. It was gunky on the sensor itself so Royal Purple and friction modifier was pumped in.
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From: DFW
low fluid is typically displayed as "brake" not ABS light
ABS light is usually a probably with ABS itself, and your brakes should still be safe and sound mechanically, but may not have ABS assist to reduce stopping distance
ABS light is usually a probably with ABS itself, and your brakes should still be safe and sound mechanically, but may not have ABS assist to reduce stopping distance
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From: Indiana
Change "typically" to "ALWAYS" and you are spot-on.
Its a federal requirement (FMVSS 135) that the low brake fluid warning is displayed on the dash.
ABS warning is just for the ABS system.
and Torkum is also correct - low brake fluid probably indicates worn pads. Unless its so low that your warning light is on, you don't need to add fluid. If you add fluid, then when you go to put new pads on you'll push the fluid back and overflow the reservoir (unless you suck fluid out first)
A little background on Ford brake fluid reservoirs - for the majority of Ford vehicles they require 4-6 times as much fluid to be held in the reservoir than the federal requirements. So you really don't have to worry if the fluid gets below the max line... that just means that the linings have some wear. Ford requires this large amount of fluid so that the low-brake fluid light never activates during normal operation. Apparently they don't think that today's vehicle owners are capable of adding brake fluid (and they are probably right for the majority of owners)
anyway, now I'm probably rambling and getting off topic... so I'll quit typing!
Its a federal requirement (FMVSS 135) that the low brake fluid warning is displayed on the dash.
ABS warning is just for the ABS system.
and Torkum is also correct - low brake fluid probably indicates worn pads. Unless its so low that your warning light is on, you don't need to add fluid. If you add fluid, then when you go to put new pads on you'll push the fluid back and overflow the reservoir (unless you suck fluid out first)
A little background on Ford brake fluid reservoirs - for the majority of Ford vehicles they require 4-6 times as much fluid to be held in the reservoir than the federal requirements. So you really don't have to worry if the fluid gets below the max line... that just means that the linings have some wear. Ford requires this large amount of fluid so that the low-brake fluid light never activates during normal operation. Apparently they don't think that today's vehicle owners are capable of adding brake fluid (and they are probably right for the majority of owners)
anyway, now I'm probably rambling and getting off topic... so I'll quit typing!